Sarah Martinon: The Human Illustrator Behind Chanel and Hermès Campaigns

Paris-based illustrator Sarah Martinon has become the go-to artist for luxury houses like Hermès and Chanel, who are eschewing AI in favor of human-made art. Her whimsical, hand-drawn illustrations for Hermès' summer campaign, animated by Armand Béraud, sparked widespread online acclaim, signaling a consumer preference for authentic, human craft over AI-generated imagery. Martinon's collaboration with Chanel began in 2025 with the Winter Constellation holiday campaign, directed by Gordon von Steiner and featuring model Lulu Tenney, where her drawings were brought to life in a film that blends reality and fantasy. Her work extends beyond campaigns to include window displays, such as the 'Artist's Studio with a View' installation at Hermès in Lugano, and collaborations with brands like Christian Lacroix Maison, Arte, and ABASK. Martinon's journey from graphic design to large-scale murals and room decorations reflects her desire to create immersive, hand-drawn environments. She cites influences like Barbara Hulanicki's Biba and the writings of J.G. Ballard, whose mantra 'Try Bad Taste' encourages risk-taking. Her recent projects include posters for the Opéra national du Rhin and a growing portfolio of personal artworks. With Hermès requesting more windows and new books and drawings in the works, Martinon's career exemplifies the enduring value of human creativity in the luxury sector.